Richard W. Blair, a permanent deacon of the archdiocese serving at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, died Feb. 7 at his home. He was 42 years old.

Born May 11, 1950 in Houston, Mr. Blair grew up in Alabama and was educated there, graduating from the University of South Alabama in Mobile.

He was a school teacher for many years, in Mobile, in Walton County, Ga. and in Fulton County. He taught at Oak Knoll, Union City and Medlock Bridge Elementary Schools, and was selected as 1991-92 Teacher of the Year at Medlock Bridge.

He was ordained June 8, 1991.

At the Cathedral he directed the parish AIDS ministry, and was spiritual director for the parish Ultreya. He was also active at Tuesday Evening at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

The funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 9 at the Cathedral of Christ the King.

He is survived by his mother, Margaret Willene Clements and stepfather, William H. Clements of Mobile; by his father, James C. Blair and stepmother, Marge Taylor Blair of Wisconsin; by his sisters Tracy Amo, Wendy, Bockin, Cheryl Foytek, Debbie Karpinski and Cindy Zilke, all of Wisconsin; and his brothers, James Blair, Jr. and Mark Blair of Wisconsin and W. Edmund Clements of Mobile.

Memorial contributions may be made to the AIDS Service Ministry at the Cathedral of Christ the King or the Cursillo Movement of the archdiocese of Atlanta.